Interest in online slot games is at an all time high. In this digital era, the exciting world of internet based casinos with their impressive prize pots, creative themes and innovative technology is enticing to players looking for fast and convenient entertainment.
Virtual casinos have come a long way over the last couple of decades. From basic games and limited choices in the early days of the internet to tonnes of interesting features and huge game libraries in the present. It is now easy to find and enjoy almost any slot machine online from your smartphone or computer.
But, how do online slot games work and what are the different features on offer? Here is a comprehensive guide to the mechanics of the game, important slots terminology what different options available during play:
How do online slots games work?
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
In a traditional mechanical slot machine, the moving pieces within the machine are responsible for randomly determining the outcome of each spin of the reels. Online slot developers needed to find a way of replicating this in a virtual environment to ensure games are fair for players and casinos, that is why RNGs have been incorporated into online slots.
RNG software ensures the outcome of every virtual spin is random and unpredictable. The online slot algorithm is tested rigorously by independent third parties to ensure it is working as it should.
Paylines and payouts
In the description of each online slot game you will see the number of paylines listed. All slots will have multiple paylines, with some having lots more than others.
A payline is a line up of specific matching symbols where a cash prize is awarded. These paylines could be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or in some cases they can be other unique shapes such as a zig zag. Players can adjust their bets and select the number of paylines they want to activate before spinning the reels.
The payout can be determined by the combination of symbols that appear on an active payline, some symbols will be worth a bigger payout than others.
Key terminology
Return to Player (RTP)
The Return to Player percentage is another very valuable statistic that you will find in the description of each online slot game. The return to player percentage can be really helpful for determining the game’s level of risk, more risk averse players will want to focus on games with the highest RTP values. The RTP indicates the portion of their bets that the player can expect to get back over time through their winnings and is represented as a percentage.
For example, if an online slot game has an RTP of 97 percent, for every £1 a player bets then can expect to win £0.97, with the £0.03 going to the casino. Of course, this is just an average and you should not take this as a guarantee due to the RNG (as described above).
The RTP is calculated by running a simulation of thousands of games being played and an average worked out based on the outcome of each game.
Volatility and variance
Slot game volatility is also an important factor to consider when choosing which games you want to play. The volatility describes the frequency at which a player can expect to win and how large they can expect the payout to be. The game will have either a high, medium or low volatility.
Variance is the variation in payouts that the player can expect to experience during their game, this too will be listed as low, medium and high.
So if a player would prefer less frequent payouts but the payouts they do get to be large, a high volatility game is most suitable. On the other hand, low volatility slots will provide lots of wins in small cash amounts.
Progressive jackpots
One type of slot game you are likely to come across online is a progressive slot. This type of game features a progressive jackpot, this jackpot keeps getting bigger and bigger every time someone places a cash bet but does not win.
A share of every wager is added to the jackpot and players are able to see what the current jackpot amount stands at in real time. When the jackpot is won, the prize is reset to a minimum predetermined amount known as the seed.
Features
Wilds
Wilds are a very common symbol in a slot game and often they can be used as symbol substitutions.
Scatters
Scatter symbols can sometimes be used to replace a symbol with something else, they are sometimes able to trigger bonus rounds.
Bonus rounds
Bonus rounds are common in slot games, they boost your chances of winning and they often offer the biggest and best cash prizes.
